Connector element for installation between a building fixture component and a building

ABSTRACT

A connector element for installation between a building fixture component and a building, including an insulating body for creating a thermal insulation between the building fixture component and the building. The insulating body has a first edge region on the building side and a second edge region on the side of the building fixture component, and includes a force absorption element with a first extension portion arranged on the building side, and a second extension portion arranged on the side of the building fixture component. The force absorption element exerts a resistance force counter to a force emanating from the building fixture component and has a force-path characteristic which defines the resistance force in dependence on a relative movement of the building fixture component relative to the building.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The following documents are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth: German Patent Application No. DE 102018112073.7, filed May 18, 2018.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a connector element for installation between a building fixture component and a building.

Connector elements of this kind have been known in the prior art for a long time and comprise an insulating body for thermal separation between the building fixture component and the building, wherein the insulating body has a first edge region on the building side and a second edge region on the side of the building fixture component. The connector element furthermore comprises a force absorption element, by way of example a tensile rod, with a first extension portion arranged on the building side, and a second extension portion arranged on the side of the building fixture component. A third extension portion runs between the first and second edge regions and completely inside the insulating body.

The force absorption element creates a resistance force against a force emanating from the building fixture component. Force absorption elements of this kind have a force-path characteristic which defines the resistance force in dependence on a relative movement of the building fixture component relative to the building. The insulating body has a first edge region on the building side, and a second edge region on the side of the building fixture component, wherein the tensile rod has on the building side a first extension portion running perpendicular to the first edge region, and on the side of the building fixture component a second extension portion running perpendicular to the second edge region, and a third extension portion running entirely within the insulating body.

Connector elements of this kind enable a change in length, conditioned in particular by temperature, between the building, by way of example the ceiling panel, and the building fixture component, by way of example the balcony panel, by providing a thermal insulation between the building and the building fixture component.

Connector elements of this kind however, when used in earthquake zones, provide only an inadequate absorption of horizontal forces which can occur through earthquake loads parallel to the insulating body.

SUMMARY

The object of the present invention is to provide a connector element for installation between a building fixture component and a building, which enables changes in length between a building fixture component and a building, and at the same time is in a position to be able to absorb horizontal forces which arise through earthquakes. The horizontal forces which arise parallel to the first and/or the second edge region of the insulating body are preferably to be absorbed. In particular the forces acting on the connector element in the event of an earthquake, in particular the horizontal forces, are to be absorbed without impairing the change in length.

A further object is to enable an unrestrained deformation of the building fixture component. The reliability and long-term stability of the building fixture component is furthermore to be improved. A further object consists in improving the stability with respect to temperature-conditioned changes in length. The horizontal forces which appear through earthquake stresses are furthermore to be transferred directly and/or progressively between the building fixture component and the building.

At least one of these objects is achieved by a connector element for installation between the building fixture component and a building, having one or more features according to the invention. A connector element is accordingly provided for installation between a building fixture component and a building, having an insulating body for creating a thermal insulation between the building fixture component and the building, wherein the insulating body has a first edge region on the building side, and a second edge region on the side of the building fixture component, and having a force absorption element with a first extension portion on the building side, and a second extension portion arranged on the side of the building fixture component, wherein the force absorption element creates a resistance force against a force emanating from the building fixture component, and has a force-path characteristic which defines the resistance force in dependence on the relative movement of the building fixture component relative to the building, wherein the force-path characteristic rises disproportionately and/or rapidly from a predetermined threshold value of the relative movement with increasing values of the relative movement.

Changes in length between the building fixture component and the building can thereby be enabled, and horizontal forces arising through earthquakes can be adequately absorbed. Excess strain on the connecting region, by way of example the insulation gap, between the building and the building fixture component can thereby be avoided. Furthermore, the horizontal forces which occur parallel to the first and/or second edge region of the insulating body in the event of earthquake stresses can be absorbed without impairing the change in length.

The threshold value can be measured through a suitable design of the force absorption element so that changes in length, in particular changes in length conditioned by temperature, between the building fixture component and the building are possible, and horizontal forces arising through the effects of earthquakes can be reliably absorbed.

The relative movement between the building and the building fixture component can be a relative displacement, a relative change in position and/or a relative expansion at least in one direction, preferably in two directions at right angles to one another, or in three directions at right angles to one another.

The connector element can enable attachment or connection of the building fixture component to the building, preferably to a building shell of the building, in particular preferably to a ceiling panel of the building. The building fixture component can be a balcony or a balcony panel or a projecting building component extending from the building.

The connector element can enable by the force absorption element the transfer or absorption of horizontal, transverse, compressive and/or tensile forces or corresponding moments which can emerge from the building fixture component. The connector element can furthermore comprise in addition to the force absorption element at least one reinforcement, which is provided to transfer and/or absorb horizontal, transverse, compressive and/or tensile forces or corresponding moments which can emerge from the building fixture component.

The insulating body can comprise an insulation material, by way of example polystyrene, more particularly extruded or expanded polystyrene.

The connector element can be used as a module and/or in combination with further connector elements and/or reinforcement elements. Preferably the reinforcement elements pass at least in part through an insulating body. The connector element can be provided to absorb a first force, by way of example a horizontal force, and a further connector element and/or a reinforcement element can be provided to absorb a second force, by way of example a tensile force.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the force-path characteristic rises progressively. The horizontal forces arising through earthquake stresses can be transferred progressively between the building fixture component and the building.

A further preferred configuration of the invention is characterized in that the course of the force-path characteristic line has at the threshold value a bend which initiates the transition to a steeper rise in the force-path characteristic. Changes in length between the building fixture component and the building can thereby be adequately achieved and horizontal forces arising through earthquake action can be sufficiently absorbed. Excessive strain on the connecting region between the building and the building fixture component can thereby be avoided.

At least one of the objects mentioned above is also achieved through a connector element for installation between a building fixture component and a building, or such connector element in combination with at least one of the features mentioned above. The connector element furthermore comprises a third extension portion running between the first and second edge region and entirely inside the insulating body, wherein the first extension portion runs perpendicular to the first edge region, and the second extension portion runs perpendicular to the second edge region, wherein the second extension portion runs in alignment with the first extension portion, and the length of the third extension portion is greater than the distance between the first and the second edge regions.

Changes in length between the building fixture component and the building are thereby possible and horizontal forces arising through earthquake effects can be adequately absorbed. Excessive strain on the connecting region between the building and the building fixture component can thereby be avoided. Furthermore, the horizontal forces which appear through earthquake stresses parallel to the first and/or the second edge region of the insulating body can be absorbed without impairing the change in length. Furthermore, a force transmission between the building and the building fixture component can take place free of transverse force.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the third extension portion is configured as a non-tensioned cable and/or as a bent reinforcement rod.

In a further preferred configuration of the invention, the force absorption element can execute a movement inside the insulating body in dependence on the resistance force.

In a further particularly advantageous design of the invention, the force absorption element in the event of a first force emanating from the building fixture component has a first stiffness, and in the event of a second force, larger than the first force, emanating from the building fixture component has a second stiffness wherein the second stiffness is disproportionately greater than the first stiffness.

At least one of the objects mentioned above is also achieved by a connector element for installation between a building fixture component and a building, or such connector element in combination with at least one of the aforesaid features. With this connector element, the first extension portion running between the first edge region and a building-side end of the force absorption element, and/or the second extension portion running between the second edge region and an end, on the side of the building fixture component, of the force absorption element, is/are each completely enclosed by an elastically formed slip-on sleeve having a lesser stiffness than the respective extension portion.

Thus deformation, more particularly a deformation caused by temperature changes, can thereby take place unrestrained in the building fixture component, and on reaching a maximum permissible relative movement between the building and the building fixture component, a direct force transfer can take place between the building and the building fixture component.

In a particularly preferred configuration of the invention, in the event of a force emanating from the building, the slip-on sleeve enables a relative movement between the building fixture component and/or the building and the respective extension portion, preferably up to a specific threshold value of the maximum relative movement. With relative movements beyond this threshold value these become impeded through the increased stiffness of the respective extension portion.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first extension portion runs perpendicular or inclined to the first edge region, and the second extension portion runs perpendicular or inclined to the second edge region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and advantageous configurations of the invention are apparent from the description of the figures and from the illustrations.

The invention will now be described in detail below with reference to the illustrations. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A: shows a cross-sectional view through a building with a building fixture component and a connector element in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B: shows an enlarged section of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2: shows a force-path characteristic of a respective connector element in a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A: shows a plan view of a connector element in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B: shows a cross-section through the connector element of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C shows the connector element of FIG. 3A in an exemplary installation arrangement;

FIG. 4A: shows a plan view of a connector element in a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B: shows a cross-section through the connector element of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C: shows the connector element of FIG. 4A in an exemplary installation arrangement;

FIG. 5A: shows a plan view of a connector element in a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B: shows a cross-section through the connector element of FIG. 5A

FIG. 5C: shows the connector element of FIG. 5A in an exemplary installation arrangement;

FIG. 6A: shows a plan view of a connector element in a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B: shows a cross-section through the connector element of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 6C: shows the connector element of FIG. 6A in an exemplary installation arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional view through a building 10 with a building fixture component 12 and a connector element 14 in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention. The connector element 14 is provided for installation between the building fixture component 12 and the building 10. The connector element 14 has an insulating body 16 which creates a thermal insulation between the building fixture component 12 and the building 10. The insulating body 16 has a first edge region 18 on the building side, and a second edge region 20 on the side of the building fixture component 12.

The connector element 14 enables an attachment or a connection of the building fixture component 12 to the building 10. A connection to the building shell of the building 10, more particularly to a ceiling panel 28 of the building 10, is preferred. The building fixture component 12 can be a balcony or a balcony panel, or a projecting building component extending from the building.

FIG. 1B shows an enlarged section of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1A. The connector element 14 can enable the transfer and/or absorption of horizontal or transverse forces 30 and/or compressive, tensile forces 32 or corresponding moments which can emanate from the building fixture component 12.

The connector element 14 comprises a force absorption element 22 with a first extension portion 24 arranged on the building side, and a second extension portion 26 which is arranged on the side of the building fixture component 12. The force absorption element 22 causes a resistance force which is directed opposite a force emanating from the building fixture component 12.

FIG. 2 shows a force-path characteristic of a respective connector element 14 in a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention. The force absorption element has a force-path characteristic which defines the resistance force in dependence on a relative movement of the building fixture component relative to the building. The values of the resistance force are entered on the vertical axis, and the values of the relative movement are entered on the horizontal axis. From a certain threshold value 34 of the relative movement, the characteristic line rises disproportionately and/or rapidly with increasing values of the relative movement. The dotted characteristic line shows a progressive path of the force-path characteristic. The solid characteristic line shows a route of the force-path characteristic with a bend at the threshold value 34 which initiates the transition to a greater rise in the characteristic line.

Changes in length between the building fixture component and the building can thereby be allowed, and horizontal forces arising through the effects of earthquakes can be adequately absorbed. Excessive strain on the connector element between the building and the building fixture component can thereby be avoided. Furthermore, the horizontal forces arising in the event of earthquake stresses parallel to the first and/or second edge region of the insulating body can be absorbed without impairing the change in length.

The threshold value 34 can be measured by a corresponding design of the force absorption element so that changes in length, in particular changes in length caused by temperature, between the building fixture component and the building are possible, and in the event of greater values beyond the threshold value, any further relative movement between the building and the building fixture component is made difficult.

FIG. 3A shows a plan view of a connector element 14 in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 3B shows a cross-section through the connector element 14 of FIG. 3A.

The force absorption element 22 of the connector element 14 comprises a third extension portion 35 running between the first and second edge regions 18, 20 and entirely inside the insulating body 16. The first extension portion 24 is perpendicular to the first edge region 18, and the second extension portion 26 is perpendicular to the second edge region 20. The second extension portion 26 runs in alignment with the first extension portion 24. The length of the third extension portion 35 is greater than the distance between the first and second edge regions 18, 20. Here the third extension portion 35 is designed in particular as a non-tensioned cable, which can execute a movement inside the insulating body 16 in dependence on the resistance force.

Changes in length between the building fixture component and the building can thereby be possible, and horizontal forces arising through the effects of earthquakes can be adequately absorbed.

FIG. 3C shows the connector element 14 of FIG. 3A in an exemplary installation arrangement. The connector element 14 is installed here as a module and in combination with reinforcement elements 36. The reinforcement elements 36 comprise an insulating body 16. The connector element 14 can be provided to absorb horizontal forces, and the reinforcement elements 36 can be provided to absorb tensile and compressive forces.

FIG. 4A shows a plan view of a connector element 14 in a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 4B shows a cross-section through the connector element 14 of FIG. 4A. The third extension portion 35 of the force absorption element 22 is designed here in particular as a bent reinforcement rod. The force absorption element 22 thereby has a first stiffness in the event of a first force emanating from the building fixture component, and a second stiffness in the event of a force, larger than the first force, emanating from the building fixture component wherein the second stiffness is disproportionately greater than the first stiffness.

Excessive strain on the connecting region between the building and the building fixture component in the event of earthquake stresses can thereby be avoided.

FIG. 4C shows the connector element 14 of FIG. 4A in an exemplary installation arrangement. The connector element 14 is installed as a module in combination with further reinforcement elements 36.

FIG. 5A shows a plan view of a connector element 14 in a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 5B shows a cross-section through the connector element 14 of FIG. 5A.

The force absorption element 22 has a first extension portion 24 which extends between the first edge region 18 and a building-side end 38 of the force absorption element 22. Furthermore, the force absorption element 22 has a second extension portion 26 which extends between the second edge region 20 and an end 40 of the force absorption element 22 on the side of the building fixture component. The first and second extension portions 24, 26, which here each run in particular inclined to the first and second edge regions 18, 20 respectively, are each completely enclosed by an elastically formed slip-on sleeve 42 having a lesser stiffness than the respective extension portion 24, 26. The slip-on sleeve 42 enables, in the event of a force emanating from the building fixture component, a relative movement between the building fixture component, the building and the respective extension portion 24, 26. Deformation, particularly deformation caused by temperature changes, of the building fixture component can thereby take place unrestrained, and on reaching a maximum permissible relative movement between the building and building fixture component, a direct force transfer is possible between the building and the building fixture component. At the same time, the horizontal forces which appear through earthquake stresses parallel to the first and/or second edge region of the insulating body 16 can be absorbed.

FIG. 5C shows the connector element 14 of FIG. 5A in an exemplary installation arrangement. The connector element 14 is installed as a module in combination with further reinforcement elements 36.

FIG. 6A shows a plan view of a connector element 14 in a further particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 6B shows a cross-section through the connector element 14 of FIG. 6A.

The force absorption element 22 has a first extension portion 24, which runs between the first edge region 18 and a building-side end of the force absorption element 22, and a second extension portion 26 which extends between the second edge region 20 and an end 40 of the force absorption element 22 located on the side of the building fixture component and which each run perpendicular to the first edge region 18 and to the second edge region 20 respectively. A force transfer, free of transverse force, can thereby be possible between the building and the building fixture component.

FIG. 6C shows the connector element 14 of FIG. 6A in an exemplary installation arrangement. The connector element 14 is installed as a module in combination with further reinforcement elements 36.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

10 Building

12 Building fixture component

14 Connector element

16 Insulating body

18 Edge region

20 Edge region

22 Force absorption element

24 Extension portion

26 Extension portion

28 Ceiling panel

30 Horizontal, transverse force

32 Compressive, tensile force

34 Threshold value

35 Extension portion

36 Reinforcement element

38 Building-side end

40 End on the building fixture component side

42 Slip-on sleeve 

1. A connector element (14) for installation between a building fixture component (12) and a building (10), the connector element (14) comprising: an insulating body (16) that is adapted to create a thermal insulation between the building fixture component (12) and the building (10), the insulating body (16) has a first edge region (18) that is adapted to be on a building side, and a second edge region (20) that is adapted to be on a side of the building fixture component (12); a force absorption element (22) with a first extension portion (24) that is adapted to be on the building side, and a second extension portion (26) that is adapted to be on the side of the building fixture component (12), the force absorption element (22) is adapted to create a resistance force counter to a force emanating from the building fixture component (12), and has a force-path characteristic which is adapted to define the resistance force in dependence on a relative movement of the building fixture component (12) relative to the building (10); and the force-path characteristic is adapted to rise at least one of disproportionately or rapidly from a predetermined threshold value (34) of the relative movement with increasing values of the relative movement.
 2. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the force-path characteristic is adapted to rise progressively.
 3. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a route of the force-path characteristic has at the threshold value (34) a bend which initiates a transition to a steeper rise in the force-path characteristic.
 4. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third extension portion (35) extending between the first and second edge regions (18, 20) and entirely within the insulating body (16), the first extension portion (24) extends perpendicular to the first edge region (18) and the second extension portion (26) extends perpendicular to the second edge region (20), the second extension portion (26) extends in alignment with the first extension portion (24), and a length of the third extension portion (35) is greater than a distance between the first and second edge region (18, 20).
 5. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the third extension portion (35) comprises a non-tensioned cable or as a bent reinforcement rod.
 6. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the force absorption element (22) is adapted to execute a movement inside the insulating body (16) in dependence on the resistance force.
 7. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the force absorption element (22) is adapted to have a first stiffness in an event of a first force emanating from the building fixture component (12), and the force absorption element (22) is adapted to have a second stiffness that is disproportionately greater than the first stiffness in an event of a second force, greater than the first force, emanating from the building fixture component (12).
 8. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first extension portion (24) that extends between the first edge region (18) and a building-side end (38) of the force absorption element (22), or the second extension portion (26) that extends between the second edge region (20) and an end of the force absorption element (22) on the side of the building fixture component (40) is enclosed completely by an elastically formed slip-on sleeve (42) having a lesser stiffness than the respective extension portion (24, 26).
 9. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the slip-on sleeve (42) is adapted to enable a relative movement between at least one of the building fixture component (12) or the building (10), and the respective extension portion (24, 26) in an event of a force emanating from the building fixture component (12).
 10. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first extension portion (24) extends perpendicular or inclined to the first edge region (18), and the second extension portion (26) extends perpendicular or inclined to the second edge region (20).
 11. A connector element (14) for installation between a building fixture component (12) and a building (10), the connector element (14) comprising: an insulating body (16) that is adapted to create a thermal insulation between the building fixture component (12) and the building (10), the insulating body (16) has a first edge region (18) that is adapted to be on a building side, and a second edge region (20) that is adapted to be on a side of the building fixture component (12); a force absorption element (22) with a first extension portion (24) that is adapted to be on the building side, and a second extension portion (26) that is adapted to be on the side of the building fixture component (12), the force absorption element (22) is adapted to create a resistance force counter to a force emanating from the building fixture component (12), and has a force-path characteristic which is adapted to define the resistance force in dependence on a relative movement of the building fixture component (12) relative to the building (10); and a third extension portion (35) extending between the first and second edge regions (18, 20) and entirely within the insulating body (16), the first extension portion (24) extends perpendicular to the first edge region (18) and the second extension portion (26) extends perpendicular to the second edge region (20), the second extension portion (26) extends in alignment with the first extension portion (24), and a length of the third extension portion (35) is greater than a distance between the first and second edge region (18, 20).
 12. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the third extension portion (35) comprises a non-tensioned cable or as a bent reinforcement rod.
 13. A connector element (14) for installation between a building fixture component (12) and a building (10), the connector element (14) comprising: an insulating body (16) that is adapted to create a thermal insulation between the building fixture component (12) and the building (10), the insulating body (16) has a first edge region (18) that is adapted to be on a building side, and a second edge region (20) that is adapted to be on a side of the building fixture component (12); a force absorption element (22) with a first extension portion (24) that is adapted to be on the building side, and a second extension portion (26) that is adapted to be on the side of the building fixture component (12), the force absorption element (22) is adapted to create a resistance force counter to a force emanating from the building fixture component (12), and has a force-path characteristic which is adapted to define the resistance force in dependence on a relative movement of the building fixture component (12) relative to the building (10); and at least one of the first extension portion (24) that extends between the first edge region (18) and a building-side end (38) of the force absorption element (22), or the second extension portion (26) that extends between the second edge region (20) and an end of the force absorption element (22) on the side of the building fixture component (40) is enclosed completely by an elastically formed slip-on sleeve (42) having a lesser stiffness than the respective extension portion (24, 26).
 14. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the slip-on sleeve (42) is adapted to enable a relative movement between at least one of the building fixture component (12) or the building (10), and the respective extension portion (24, 26) in an event of a force emanating from the building fixture component (12).
 15. The connector element (14) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first extension portion (24) extends perpendicular or inclined to the first edge region (18), and the second extension portion (26) extends perpendicular or inclined to the second edge region (20). 